Working as a Community Development Facilitator (CDF) at an NGO encouraged me to learn about various issues related to social dynamics and problems in the community. Since being entrusted with the role of Community Development Project Manager (CDPM), I have decided to deepen my knowledge in the social sciences, which is the best decision for me, given my background in Agricultural Technology. I believe that a master’s degree in Social Sciences is the right program for me to hone my interdisciplinary thinking skills in order to develop appropriate intervention strategies for the communities I work with.

In addition, through the knowledge I gained as a PSdK student, combined with practical experience in the field while working, my analysis of social issues and potential resources within the community has become more refined, enabling me to promote transformation that can be packaged in a framework that prioritizes community empowerment towards a community that is independent in solving its own problems. The knowledge I have gained is inseparable from the role of lecturers who have diverse professional experiences, which has made me increasingly enthusiastic every time I participate in classroom discussions. Various learning approaches are used, such as student-centered, contextual, constructivism, problem-solving, etc., which color the dynamics of an effective classroom to achieve learning outcomes. Even though writing a thesis faced challenges during the pandemic and the busyness of college and work, my supervisors and teaching staff always provided positive encouragement and were totally helpful so that I could complete research that was meaningful to me and obtain good results.

For resilient learners, utilize the educational access you have now to unlock your full potential, which can contribute to driving positive change in society. Remember to empower yourself before empowering others!